LOW-RISK drivers have been promised a better deal under a new pricing system developed by the Co-operative Insurance Society.

CIS says its new system should result in reduced premiums for around 70 per cent of customers, based on their current business profile.

Women, especially younger ones, co-habiting couples and motorists in the 36-50 age group should benefit, as well as those with lower annual mileages.

"As the UK's only co-operative insurer, doing right by our customers is always at the top of our agenda," said CIS's Stephan Pater.

"It is not our style to `cherry pick' lower risk business or restrict our award-winning motor insurance to just those with long-held no-claims discounts, and leave others out in the cold.

"This is not about cheaper insurance, it is about customers paying the appropriate price for the risk they bring to our portfolio.

"Safer drivers and people who use their cars less will also benefit from our new pricing system, which is fully in line with our campaigning stance on road safety and the environment."

Manchester-based CIS says its new pricing policy enables it to provide a fair, competitive deal for a very wide range of customers, unlike new market entrants which pick and choose only certain classes of driver.